Author Topic: Advice needed by Novice Cattle owners (Read 2510 times)

LouiseG · « **on:** July 05, 2016, 05:43:33 pm »

Hi
We currently only have two RedPoll's, an in calf cow due in August and a year old bullock for company. They are in a 6.5 acre field and are not anywhere near keeping up with the grass growth !! we obviously can't make hay as there are cattle poo's and mole hills in the field,
I'm reluctant to put our 15 lambs out with them as i don't think sheep like long grass (and it would be over their heads). we have only lived here since February and have NEVER been in a situation with too much grass at our previous home.

My question is should we top it? or move the cows into a smaller field with shorter grass? and if so what should we do with this 6.5 acres?

We have another field of 5.3 acres which is all ready to make hay as soon as the weather shows any signs of being a bit settled. so once that's made we will have a nice short field that I was going to put the lambs on. OH wants to wait until we know how much hay we shall need to sustain us through the winter before increasing our numbers.
Any advice would be appreciated

thank you

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2016, 06:15:35 pm »

In your circs I think I'd top it, yes. Maybe half quite long 3" or more, the other half a bit shorter 2" or so, so the sheep have some shorter to get on with?

landroverroy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2016, 09:33:54 pm »

I agree with Sally - definitely top it, else if you let it go to seed then you will limit growth for the rest of the year. Once a grass has seeded it has fulfilled its purpose, ie it has reproduced. If you stop this by topping it, then the grass will keep on growing. That is why your lawn keeps growing almost all year, in spite of continuing cutting.
The regrowth from the topped grass will also be more nutritious for your stock then the long fibrous uncut grass, and suitable for both sheep and cattle.